NSCS vs VOO
Nuveen Small Cap Select ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NSCS | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.86% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $7M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.31% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 82 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -6.06% | +12.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.63% | +20.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.00% | +21.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.8% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -30.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 4, 2021 | Sep 7, 2010 |
NSCS vs VOO Performance
Nuveen Small Cap Select ETF (NSCS) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NSCS returned +4.63% while VOO returned +20.92%. Year to date, NSCS is down 6.06% versus a gain of 12.25% for VOO.
Over three years, NSCS compounded at +10.00% per year against +21.79% for VOO. Across the full 4-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.45% annualized vs +1.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NSCS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.8% compared with 14.1% for VOO. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -30.6% for NSCS and -34.3% for VOO. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NSCS charges 0.86% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $86 vs $3 annually, a gap of $83 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NSCS currently yields 0.31% against 1.08% for VOO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NSCS or VOO?
NSCS has an expense ratio of 0.86% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $83 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NSCS or VOO?
Over the past year NSCS returned +4.63% vs +20.92% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), NSCS annualized +1.72% vs +13.45% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NSCS or VOO?
NSCS has been the more volatile fund at 20.8% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: NSCS -30.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both NSCS and VOO?
NSCS and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, NSCS or VOO?
NSCS yields 0.31% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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